Arkansas Best expands its offerings to include single-contract, expedited less-than-container-load, less-than-truckload supply chain solution for customers who import from manufacturing centers in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan

Alison Gallant

FORT SMITH, Arkansas , November 8, 2011 (press release) – ABF® has expanded its portfolio of global solutions to include Ocean LTL: a single-contact, expedited less-than-container-load/less-than-truckload (LCL/LTL) supply chain solution for customers who import from manufacturing centers in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"By combining ABF's innovative Dual-System® Network with top-tier NVOCC shipping, ABF is able to provide reliable global shipping solutions that offer importers unparalleled control and visibility," said Roy Slagle, ABF senior vice president of sales and marketing, referring to ABF's status as a non vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC). "Our new Ocean LTL service is a great compliment to our already successful FCL (full-container-load) business, which has been around since 2006."

A service offered through ABF Global Supply Chain Services division, Ocean LTL features guaranteed weekly departures on a fixed day and schedule, which enables ABF to expedite shipments up to 40% faster than traditional LCL sources. Long-term planning is enhanced by advanced scheduling for consolidation and departures. In transit, virtual warehousing and dynamic rerouting enable on-the-water inventory allocation and order fulfillment directly from the container to the end-user or multiple delivery locations.

Customers experience truly seamless service from end-to-end. While Ocean LTL shipments may originate as LCL shipments overseas and deliver as LTL shipments in the US, customers benefit from one customer service contact trained to assist with end-to-end documentation services, seamless visibility via abf.com, and single-source pricing and invoicing.

"ABF handles everything," Slagle continued. "We're a synchronized local, regional and transcontinental motor carrier, a non-vessel operating common carrier, and a global logistics service provider—linked together by a state-of-the-art technology platform that is the envy of the industry."

As the principal subsidiary of Arkansas Best Corporation (Nasdaq:ABFS - News), ABF operates as a global provider of customizable supply chain solutions. ABF enhances supply-chain efficiencies and achieves optimum performance by focusing on specific logistics needs and customizing innovative solutions. The carrier's resource-rich infrastructure includes an innovative Dual-System Network for regional and national transportation. Its portfolio of logistics services extends from the manufacturer's floor to expedited and/or white-glove final delivery. In between, customers benefit from a single point of contact and total end-to-end supply chain visibility.

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